governing competency

• 1959 - Macmillan’s Conservative government enjoyed economic prosperity and increased availability of consumer goods. Able to increase majority to over 100 - little reason to change government
• 1966 - Wilson’s Labour government was still energetic and focused after 2 years in power. Wilson’s snap election against new leader Heath led to a majority of over 100
• 1964 - Douglas-Home’s Conservative government unable to escape the scandals from the last years of Macmillan’s government e.g. firing ⅓ of his cabinet
• 1979 - Callaghan’s Labour government unable to deal with the Winter of Discontent allowed Thatcher to win
• An example of a valence issue - voters making decisions based on what party/candidate they think will run the country best